Remembering the Apology and looking to the future...

Today marks ten years since Prime Minister Kevin Rudd formal apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people impacted by the actions of successive governments inflicted significant grief, suffering and loss upon Indigenous people, families and communities. The impact of those laws and policies remain with us today.

Dear Colleagues,

The project of Reconciliation provides the nation with a way to work towards healing the wounds of our past. As an institution we commit to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to realise a collaborative vision for society that is harmonious, equitable and truly reconciled.

We will seek to achieve this through the development of a new Reconciliation Action Plan that seeks to build on the successes of our current strategy.

Over the course of our current RAP we have, amongst many other achievements, increased numbers of Indigenous staff and students at Murdoch University, established a new Aboriginal research centre, Ngank Yiri, introduced new scholarships for Indigenous research students and ensured that Aboriginal people are represented at all levels of governance within the University.

In the coming weeks and months, the RAP Steering Committee, chaired by Braden Hill Director Aboriginal Education, Equity and Inclusion, supported by both the DVC-E and DVC-I, will commence consultation regarding the development of a new plan for reconciliation. I trust you will support me and the RAP team in this very important work.

Should you have any comments, feedback, input or questions, please email rap@murdoch.edu.au.

Also, keep an eye out for staff announcements detailing the consultation process and how you may get involved.

With kind regards,

Eeva

Vice Chancellor